Little Sir Hugh
fiosrachadh a' chlàraidh
Àireamh a' Chlàir Thùsail
SA1956.127.B3
Àireamh an Teip Thùsail
Notaichean a' Chlàir
1 verse of 4 lines. In more complete versions of this ballad, we learn that the woman who lures the boy to his death is a "Jew's daughter". When the boy does not return home, his mother goes seeking him, and finds his corpse in the well. In the supernatural dialogue that follows, the boy's ghost instructs his mother to make preparations for his burial.
This ballad is said to reflect the circumstances surrounding the death of a young boy, Hugh of Lincoln (1247-1255), whose murdered body was found in a well. The accusation, threatening and execution of a Jewish man for this crime, coupled with the rampant anti-semitism of the time, began a pogrom in which many Jews were murdered. Hugh became a martyr for Christians, with sites he had been associated with becoming pilgrimage places. In some versions, the murderer is not a Jew, but a Gypsy.
See:
'A Scottish Ballad Book' (D. Buchan, 1973) pp. 80-81
'Andrew Crawfurd's Collection of Ballads & Songs' vol. 1 (E. Lyle, 1975) pp. 31-33
'Ancient & Modern Scottish Songs' vol. 1 (D. Herd, 1869, 1973) pp. 96-98
'A Scots Musical Museum' vol. 6 (J. Johnson & R. Burns, 1853 edition) no. 582
Neach/Cuspair a' Chlàir
Hugh of Lincoln
Àite Clàraidh
Siorrachd - Siorrachd Lannraig
Paraiste - Glaschu
Baile/Àite - Glaschu
Cànan
Beurla
Seòrsa
Cruinneachadh
Cruth Inneal a' Chlàir
Reel to reel
Càileachd an Fhuaime
Meadhanach Math